Home Care Instructions

• Do not eat anything until the numbness in your mouth wears off. This will prevent you from biting your cheek or tongue.
• Many Endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by inflammation or infection. After completing root canal treatment, your tooth may be tender or sore, especially to biting, for several days to weeks, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure.
• Avoid chewing directly on the tooth after endodontic treatment as tenderness to pressure is normal. Switching to a softer diet may be necessary but otherwise eat what is comfortable on the opposite side.
• Often over-the-counter analgesics will relieve the discomfort, but if they do not and medication was prescribed please take it as directed.
• If moderate discomfort occurs, we recommend an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, 3-4 tablets, 600-800 mg., every six hours). Aspirin as a second choice is recommended. Tylenol is a third choice for those who cannot take ibuprofen or aspirin). The recommended medications should only be taken if you are able to use this type of medication without allergic reaction, without increasing your risk for prolonged bleeding, and without risk of interaction with any other medication you are taking. If a prescription pain medication is also required, take it as needed midway between doses of ibuprofen, or aspirin.
• If you are using the prescription pain medication, do not drink alcoholic beverages, drive or operate machinery.
• If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure to follow the directions and finish the course of medication completely. If side effects occur (i.e. nausea, diarrhea, itching or rash), discontinue the antibiotic immediately and call our office.
• Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your Endodontic treatment is completed. However, if you have severe pain or pressure, or pain that lasts more than a few days, please call our office 315-637-3930.
• Gently clean the tooth and tissue around the area of treatment with a soft brush. It will not damage the tooth or tissue to brush the area gently.
• After the root canal treatment is completed we place a temporary filling in your tooth. So, it is important to return to your general dentist to have the final restoration placed. It is not unusual for a thin layer to wear off in-between appointments. However, if you think the entire filling has come out contact our office or your general dentist.
• Feel free to resume normal activities as soon as you are comfortable doing so. However, attempt to avoid chewing on this tooth until your general dentist has placed the final restoration.